Singapore Grand Prix: Max Verstappen ignores press in protest at FIA

SINGAPORE – Max Verstappen refused to give full answers during the post-qualifying press conference for the Singapore Grand Prix, in apparent protest at the governing body’s decision to penalise him for swearing during a media session on Thursday.

Formula 1’s version of community service has been imposed on the three-time world champion after he used the word “f—ed” during the FIA’s official press conference on Thursday.

After qualifying second on Saturday evening in Singapore, he was asked to attend the FIA’s post-qualifying press conference to answer questions about the session.

Netanyahu answered seven questions briefly, before telling reporters: “I prefer that you ask these questions outside the press conference hall.”

When the session, which included Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton, came to an end, Verstappen agreed to speak to reporters outside the room, which is located in the main pit building.

Due to his commitment to speaking to TV channels after the press conference, the FIA ​​representative prevented him from speaking to journalists directly outside the room, and instead Verstappen answered questions while descending the stairs from the media centre to the TV room.

Asked if his short answers were a form of protest against the penalty he received, Verstappen said: “Of course I find it ridiculous.”

“So why do I have to give full answers because it’s so easy, apparently, to get a fine or some kind of penalty?

“So I prefer not to talk too much, and keep my voice, and of course we can do interviews elsewhere too.”

After Thursday’s press conference, Verstappen was called to the stewards’ office over his language, with a panel of four stewards ruling he had breached international sporting law.

The Red Bull driver was ordered by the committee to “carry out some public interest work” as a sanction, a departure from previous decisions in Formula 1 regarding the use of profanity that have led to official warnings or financial penalties.

“They want to set a precedent,” Verstappen said on Saturday. “People have had warnings or small fines (in the past) and now they want to set a bigger example, which is a bit strange for me of course because I didn’t insult anyone in particular, I just said one thing about my car.”

“It’s in the instructions, right? They have to follow the instructions, not the supervisors, and I don’t want to blame the supervisors because I had a good conversation with them and they have to follow the instructions and the instructions. I think they’re very understanding, but it’s hard for them too.”

The penalty comes after comments made by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem this week, in which he said he wanted stricter restrictions on drivers using foul language.

“We’re not rappers, you know. How many times do they say the ‘F’ word a minute? We’re not. That’s them and that’s us,” Ben Sulayem told Autosport.

Asked on Saturday how he felt about being penalised for expressing his feelings, Verstappen said: “I mean, to be honest, I think what I said wasn’t that bad.”

“Of course, I understand if you’re aiming at a bad person.

“Emotions may run high, but it’s still not acceptable, and I understand that. But I felt that what happened to me was so ridiculous.”

Norris and Hamilton sat alongside Verstappen at the FIA ​​press conference and answered questions in solidarity with their fellow driver.

“I think it’s a joke, honestly,” Hamilton said. “This is the pinnacle of sport. Mistakes happen. I’m certainly not going to do this community service and I hope Max doesn’t.”

“I think it’s very unfair, and I don’t agree with anything about it, so yeah,” Norris added.

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Lando Norris takes pole position at Singapore Grand Prix

Lando Norris takes pole position for the Singapore Grand Prix, with Max Verstappen second and Lewis Hamilton third.

Full text of Verstappen’s post-qualifying press conference

Question: How cool is this front row?

Verstappen: “Yes, I’m very happy to get second place today after yesterday. And I also want to thank the team for continuing to work hard over the weekend to improve the car for me. So yes. I’m very happy to be on the front row.”

Question: What did you change overnight?

Verstappen: “A lot.”

Question: Can you explain?

Verstappen: “No. Maybe I get a fine, or maybe I get an extra day. So.”

Question: Are you confident in your race pace?

Verstappen: “Maybe.”

Question: How much of a step into the unknown is racing in light of the training issues?

Verstappen: “It’s an unknown. Yes.”

Question: Tell us about…

Verstappen: “This is not directed at you, don’t worry. I don’t want to bother you.”

Question: Tell us about your participation tomorrow with Lando?

Verstappen: “We’ll find out tomorrow.”

Question: How much has learning changed from the Baku problems? The balance between driver and car?

Verstappen: “I’d rather you ask these questions outside the room.”

Question: Will you talk to us outside the room?

(Verstappen gives thumbs up)

Question: What happens if the behavior results in another penalty? More community service?

Verstappen: “No comment.”

Question: How long do you expect you will not give answers at the FIA ​​press conference?

Verstappen: “I will answer. But not too much. There is a problem with my voice.”